If you're already caring for a parent, grandparent, adult child, or other relative, you may be able to get paid for it. Massachusetts has several programs that pay family caregivers, and many families never hear about them. Here's a plain-language overview.
1. Adult Foster Care (AFC) through MassHealth
Adult Foster Care is one of the most common ways Massachusetts families are paid to care for a loved one at home. The person who needs care lives with a qualified caregiver, who receives a tax-free stipend for providing daily help. A nurse and care manager from the AFC agency visit regularly to support the caregiver.
- Who it's for: Adults with MassHealth who need daily help with activities such as bathing, dressing, eating, toileting, or getting around.
- Who can be the caregiver: Often an adult child, another relative, or a friend. A spouse or legal guardian cannot be the paid AFC caregiver.
- Living arrangement: The caregiver and the person receiving care must live in the same home.
Ardno helps families in Lowell and nearby towns apply for AFC and supports caregivers once care begins. Learn more about Adult Foster Care.
2. The MassHealth Personal Care Attendant (PCA) program
In the MassHealth PCA program, a MassHealth member who needs hands-on help with daily activities hires, trains, and directs their own personal care attendant. The attendant is paid an hourly wage through the program. Many family members can be hired as the PCA, though a spouse or legal guardian generally cannot. Unlike AFC, the attendant doesn't need to live with the person.
3. Home care programs through your local Aging Services Access Point
Massachusetts Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) run state home care programs for older adults, including the Frail Elder Waiver. Some of these programs include options that let a consumer choose a family member or friend as a paid caregiver. Eligibility depends on age, need, and income. Call your local ASAP or the state's elder information line to ask what's available where your loved one lives.
4. VA benefits for caregivers of veterans
If your loved one is a veteran, look into these VA programs:
- Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers: A monthly stipend, training, and support for family caregivers of eligible veterans with a serious service-connected injury or illness.
- Veteran Directed Care: Gives eligible veterans a budget for in-home services that they can use to hire their own caregivers, sometimes including family members.
- Aid and Attendance: An added pension benefit for eligible veterans and surviving spouses who need help with daily activities. The money can help pay for care, including from family.
5. Long-term care insurance
Some long-term care insurance policies will pay a family member for in-home care, while others only pay licensed agencies. Read the policy or call the insurer and ask directly.
6. A personal care agreement with your loved one
Some families set up a written caregiver agreement in which the person receiving care pays a relative from their own funds. Done properly, this can also matter for MassHealth eligibility later. Talk to an elder law attorney before you sign one.
7. Massachusetts Paid Family and Medical Leave
If you work in Massachusetts and need time off to care for a family member with a serious health condition, you may qualify for paid leave through the state's Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) program. It's partial pay for a limited number of weeks, not a long-term solution, but it can help during a hospital discharge or a health crisis.
Program rules, eligibility, and payment amounts change. Check current details with MassHealth, your local ASAP, the VA, or the Massachusetts Department of Family and Medical Leave before making decisions.
Not sure where to start?
Many Lowell-area families start with Adult Foster Care, because it pays the caregiver and comes with professional support. If you're caring for someone at home and want to know whether you qualify, call us at (978) 479-0499. We'll walk you through your options for free. You can also read our guide to paying for home care in Massachusetts, or if you need a break, learn about respite care.